Senate President Francis Escudero stated that the Senate will seek a “full briefing” from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on the latest incident in Ayungin Shoal between Filipino forces and Chinese Coast Guard personnel, which injured seven Filipinos.
Escudero expressed concern about the increasing tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Before the briefing, Escudero reaffirmed his demand for engagement between Philippine and Chinese officials to prevent further escalation of regional tensions.
Escudero also encouraged the Philippine Armed Forces to “explore alternative methods” for delivering supplies to BRP Sierra Madre which serves as the PH’s post in Ayungin Shoal.
According to the AFP, a Philippine Navy service member suffered a severe injury due to a collision between a Chinese ship and a Philippine vessel performing a rotation and resupply operation (RORE) near Ayungin Shoal in the WPS. The serviceman was then reported to have lost a thumb during the incident.
The DFA and the United States have both condemned the incident.
